Blatter jokes about Terry 'affair'

Blatter suggests Latin countries would have reacted differently to the Terry scandal (GETTY IMAGES)

John Terry would have been applauded in some countries rather than sacked as national team captain for having an alleged affair, according to FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

Terry was fired by England head coach Fabio Capello after a week of negative headlines about the defender's alleged affair with Wayne Bridge's ex-partner but the Chelsea player has had support from an unlikely quarter.

Blatter, in Vancouver for the International Olympic Committee's session, joked that in "Latin" countries such as France, Italy and Spain, Terry's conduct may not have been considered a problem.

Blatter told Press Association Sport: "Listen, this is a special approach in the Anglo-Saxon countries. If this had happened in let's say Latin countries then I think he would have been applauded."

Terry was sacked by Capello after a brief meeting with the England manager last week.

The 29-year-old has now been given time off by Chelsea to address the issues in his personal life and will miss his side's FA Cup tie against Cardiff this weekend.

Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins said: "He will not play this weekend. Carlo (Ancelotti) is giving him a bit of time off.

"They just had a little chat, John and Carlo, and decided that would be the best for all concerned."